Jay Cutler Saga's Fantasy Implications

It now looks like a matter of when and who will trade for QB Jay Cutler.

So let's put on our psychic caps and discuss the potential fantasy implications of the top five teams in the running for his services.

Ready, set, go!

1. Detroit Lions

This one makes the most sense to me. Why bank on the possibility of a Rookie QB, when a proven, Pro Bowl QB is on the market? Trade one of your first round picks, even the first overall if necessary, for a guy like Cutler. They already have RB Kevin Smith and WR Calvin Johnson in place and both would jump tremendously on the fantasy board if Cutler were to be traded here.

2. New York Jets

Here is a tremendously intriguing possibility. Right now, the only Jet that I am sold on is RB Thomas Jones, but that would change drastically if Cutler were to land here.

WR Jerricho Cotchery is currently not even in my Top 25 WR, but with Cutler, he would move into my Top 20. The same can be said for TE Dustin Keller and even RB Leon Washington.

If you thought the Jets players would be good with Brett Favre, how good would they be with Cutler?

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Here’s a team that needs a QB. They have already traded for TE Kellen Winslow and signed RB Derrick Ward, but neither guy is high on my board due to the lack of depth at the QB position.

Right now, Luke McCown is the favorite to be the starter and Brian Griese is the only competition. If the Bucs are to be involved in this, they will need a third team involved, such as Cleveland, and another QB, such as Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson.

WR Antonio Bryant would move up on my draft board with the acquisition of Cutler, as would the aforementioned Winslow and Ward and even RB Earnest Graham. This one could be interesting.

4. Washington Redskins

This one is kind of confusing to me. Right now, the Skins are getting the most hype about wanting to get Cutler, even though they already have a QB that they like in Jason Campbell.

WR Santana Moss and RB Clinton Portis were already high on my board and acquiring Cutler would move them up even higher as I think Cutler is a better QB, especially in the fantasy world.

5. San Francisco 49ers

This one makes sense too. Shaun Hill isn’t a viable option for an NFL starting QB and Alex Smith is coming off an injury and has only had one decent season. They have a good Offense in place, with RB Frank Gore, WR Isaac Bruce, and TE Vernon Davis. The only thing missing is someone to get them the ball.

I would definitely trade the 10th overall pick for Cutler. Gore is already in the Top 10, but would move into the Top 5 with a real QB. Davis and Bruce would jump significantly, but neither would be in the Top 10 at their position.

There’s a lot more to come of this story and we will continue to bring you our analysis of the situation at The Sportmeisters. Feel free to email me at Derek@Sportmeisters.com with any comments or questions.